HOOVER -- Before a crowd of more than 700 reporters (and about just as many autograph hounds) Wednesday afternoon, Alabama head coach Mike Shula served as the opening act at the annual media circus that is SEC Football Media Days.

In fulfilling his duties, Shula, who was accompanied by halfback Kenneth Darby and cornerback Ramzee Robinson, worked his way through nine interview rooms and up and down radio row before making the 50-minute drive back to Tuscaloosa.

Shula's run through the Wynfrey Hotel was rather uneventful, although he did touch on a few pressing topics related to his fourth team at Alabama.

Of utmost interest to Crimson Tide fans these days is the projected availability of two starters -- wide receiver DJ Hall and weakside linebacker Juwan Simpson -- for the upcoming season